Electrified vehicle battery packs with tear-away service panels

ABSTRACT

Exemplary battery pack designs for use in electrified vehicles may include an enclosure assembly that houses one or more battery internal components (e.g., battery arrays, battery electronic components, or both). A tear-away service panel may be positioned within a wall of the enclosure assembly. The service panel may be removed from the enclosure assembly to access one of the battery internal components requiring service and may be subsequently replaced with a replacement service panel. The replacement service panel may be part of a battery pack resealing kit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/039,729,filed on Jul. 19, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to electrified vehicle battery packs, and moreparticularly to battery packs that include tear-away service panels foraccessing battery internal components that require service.

BACKGROUND

The desire to reduce automotive fuel consumption and emissions has beenwell documented. Therefore, electrified vehicles are being developedthat reduce or completely eliminate reliance on internal combustionengines. In general, electrified vehicles differ from conventional motorvehicles because they are selectively driven by one or more batterypowered electric machines. Conventional motor vehicles, by contrast,rely exclusively on the internal combustion engine to propel thevehicle.

A high voltage battery pack typically powers the electric machines andother electrical loads of the electrified vehicle. An enclosure assemblyof the battery pack houses a plurality of battery internal componentsincluding, but not limited to, battery arrays and battery electroniccomponents. It may become necessary to open the enclosure assembly ifone or more of the battery internal components require service.

SUMMARY

A battery pack according to an exemplary aspect of the presentdisclosure includes, among other things, an enclosure assembly, atear-away service panel positioned within a wall of the enclosureassembly, and a bracket circumscribing the tear-away service panel.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing battery pack, theenclosure assembly is a polymer-based component.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the foregoing batterypacks, the enclosure assembly includes a tray and a cover.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, a battery internal component is housed within an interior of theenclosure assembly.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, the battery internal component includes a battery array, abattery electronic component, or both.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, the enclosure assembly is constructed of a first polymer-basedmaterial and the bracket is constructed of a second polymer-basedmaterial that is different from the first polymer-based material.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, the tear-away service panel includes a ductile portion that isremovable from the wall to expose an access opening.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, the ductile portion includes a tear strip.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, the tear strip is established by a first groove and a secondgroove formed in the wall.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, a pull tab is connected to the tear strip.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, the ductile portion includes a groove and a panel body bounded bythe groove.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, a pull tab is connected to the panel body.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, the bracket includes a groove formed in an outer surface.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, the bracket includes a plurality of retention features thatprotrude laterally outwardly from an outer surface of the bracket.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypacks, the bracket is configured to accept a replacement service panelafter removal of the tear-away service panel.

A battery pack resealing kit according to another exemplary aspect ofthe present disclosure includes, among other things, a replacementservice panel for covering an access opening formed in an enclosureassembly of a battery pack, a surface preparation aid for preparing asurface of the enclosure assembly for receiving the replacement servicepanel, and an adhesive for affixing the replacement service panel to thesurface.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing battery packresealing kit, the replacement service panel includes a groove thatestablishes a receptacle for receiving the adhesive.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the foregoing batterypack resealing kits, the replacement service panel includes a firstretention feature configured to engage a second retention feature of abracket of the enclosure assembly.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypack resealing kits, the surface preparation aid is an abrasive cloth orpad.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing batterypack resealing kits, the adhesive is a silicone based adhesive or anon-silicone based adhesive.

The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs,the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any oftheir various aspects or respective individual features, may be takenindependently or in any combination. Features described in connectionwith one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless suchfeatures are incompatible.

The various features and advantages of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can bebriefly described as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a powertrain of an electrified vehicle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a battery pack of an electrified vehicle.

FIG. 3 illustrates the battery pack of FIG. 2 with portions removed forillustrating the internal contents of the battery pack.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a battery pack service panel according to afirst embodiment of this disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a battery pack service panel according to asecond embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bracket of a battery pack after removing a servicepanel.

FIG. 7 illustrates a replacement panel secured to a battery pack afterremoving a service panel.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view through section 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a pull tab of the replacement panel of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 10 illustrates a battery pack resealing kit for resealing thebattery pack after removing a service panel.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a battery pack resealing method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure details exemplary battery pack designs for use inelectrified vehicles. Exemplary battery packs include an enclosureassembly that houses one or more battery internal components (e.g.,battery arrays, battery electronic components, or both). A tear-awayservice panel may be positioned within a wall of the enclosure assembly.The service panel may be removed from the enclosure assembly to accessone of the battery internal components requiring service and may besubsequently replaced with a replacement service panel. The replacementservice panel may be part of a battery pack resealing kit. These andother features are discussed in greater detail in the followingparagraphs of this detailed description.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a powertrain 10 for an electrifiedvehicle 12. Although depicted as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), itshould be understood that the concepts described herein are not limitedto HEVs and could extend to other electrified vehicles, including, butnot limited to, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV's), batteryelectric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell vehicles, etc.

In an embodiment, the powertrain 10 is a power-split powertrain systemthat employs first and second drive systems. The first drive systemincludes a combination of an engine 14 and a generator 18 (i.e., a firstelectric machine). The second drive system includes at least a motor 22(i.e., a second electric machine), the generator 18, and a battery pack24. In this example, the second drive system is considered an electricdrive system of the powertrain 10. The first and second drive systemsare each capable of generating torque to drive one or more sets ofvehicle drive wheels 28 of the electrified vehicle 12. Although apower-split configuration is depicted in FIG. 1 , this disclosureextends to any hybrid or electric vehicle including full hybrids,parallel hybrids, series hybrids, mild hybrids, or micro hybrids.

The engine 14, which may be an internal combustion engine, and thegenerator 18 may be connected through a power transfer unit 30, such asa planetary gear set. Of course, other types of power transfer units,including other gear sets and transmissions, may be used to connect theengine 14 to the generator 18. In a non-limiting embodiment, the powertransfer unit 30 is a planetary gear set that includes a ring gear 32, asun gear 34, and a carrier assembly 36.

The generator 18 can be driven by the engine 14 through the powertransfer unit 30 to convert kinetic energy to electrical energy. Thegenerator 18 can alternatively function as a motor to convert electricalenergy into kinetic energy, thereby outputting torque to a shaft 38connected to the power transfer unit 30. Because the generator 18 isoperatively connected to the engine 14, the speed of the engine 14 canbe controlled by the generator 18.

The ring gear 32 of the power transfer unit 30 may be connected to ashaft 40, which is connected to vehicle drive wheels 28 through a secondpower transfer unit 44. The second power transfer unit 44 may include agear set having a plurality of gears 46. Other power transfer units mayalso be suitable. The gears 46 transfer torque from the engine 14 to adifferential 48 to ultimately provide traction to the vehicle drivewheels 28. The differential 48 may include a plurality of gears thatenable the transfer of torque to the vehicle drive wheels 28. In anon-limiting embodiment, the second power transfer unit 44 ismechanically coupled to an axle 50 through the differential 48 todistribute torque to the vehicle drive wheels 28.

The motor 22 can also be employed to drive the vehicle drive wheels 28by outputting torque to a shaft 52 that is also connected to the secondpower transfer unit 44. In a non-limiting embodiment, the motor 22 andthe generator 18 cooperate as part of a regenerative braking system inwhich both the motor 22 and the generator 18 can be employed as motorsto output torque. For example, the motor 22 and the generator 18 caneach output electrical power to the battery pack 24.

The battery pack 24 is an exemplary electrified vehicle battery. Thebattery pack 24 may be a high voltage traction battery that includes aplurality of battery arrays 25 (i.e., battery assemblies or groupings ofbattery cells) capable of outputting electrical power to operate themotor 22, the generator 18, and/or other electrical loads of theelectrified vehicle 12 for providing power to propel the wheels 28.Other types of energy storage devices and/or output devices could alsobe used to electrically power the electrified vehicle 12.

In an embodiment, the electrified vehicle 12 has two basic operatingmodes. The electrified vehicle 12 may operate in an Electric Vehicle(EV) mode where the motor 22 is used (generally without assistance fromthe engine 14) for vehicle propulsion, thereby depleting the batterypack 24 state of charge up to its maximum allowable discharging rateunder certain driving patterns/cycles. The EV mode is an example of acharge depleting mode of operation for the electrified vehicle 12.During EV mode, the state of charge of the battery pack 24 may increasein some circumstances, for example due to a period of regenerativebraking. The engine 14 is generally OFF under a default EV mode butcould be operated as necessary based on a vehicle system state or aspermitted by the operator.

The electrified vehicle 12 may additionally operate in a Hybrid (HEV)mode in which the engine 14 and the motor 22 are both used for vehiclepropulsion. The HEV mode is an example of a charge sustaining mode ofoperation for the electrified vehicle 12. During the HEV mode, theelectrified vehicle 12 may reduce the motor 22 propulsion usage in orderto maintain the state of charge of the battery pack 24 at a constant orapproximately constant level by increasing the engine 14 propulsion. Theelectrified vehicle 12 may be operated in other operating modes inaddition to the EV and HEV modes within the scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a battery pack 24 that can be employed withinan electrified vehicle, such as the electrified vehicle 12 of FIG. 1 .FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack 24, and FIG. 3illustrates the battery pack 24 with select portions removed forvisualizing the internal contents of the battery pack 24.

The battery pack 24 may house a plurality of battery cells 56 that storeenergy for powering various electrical loads of the electrified vehicle12. The battery pack 24 could employ any number of battery cells 56within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure is notlimited to the exact configuration shown in FIG. 3 .

The battery cells 56 may be stacked side-by-side along one or more stackaxes to construct groupings of battery cells 56, sometimes referred toas a “cell stacks” or “cell arrays.” In an embodiment, the battery cells56 are prismatic, lithium-ion cells. However, battery cells having othergeometries (cylindrical, pouch, etc.), other chemistries (nickel-metalhydride, lead-acid, etc.), or both could alternatively be utilizedwithin the scope of this disclosure. The battery cells 56 of eachgrouping, along with any support structures (e.g., array frames,spacers, rails, walls, plates, bindings, etc.), may collectively bereferred to as a battery assembly or a battery array 25. The batterypack 24 depicted in FIGS. 2-3 includes two laterally adjacent batteryarrays 25; however, the battery pack 24 could include a greater or fewernumber of battery arrays and still fall within the scope of thisdisclosure.

The battery pack 24 may additionally house one or more batteryelectronic components 58. The battery electronic component 58 couldinclude a bussed electrical center (BEC), a battery electric controlmodule (BECM), wiring harnesses, wiring loops, I/O connectors, etc., orany combination of these battery electronic components.

An enclosure assembly 60 may house each battery array 25 and eachbattery electronic component 58 of the battery pack 24. Since thebattery array 25 and the battery electronic components 58 are housedinside the enclosure assembly 60, these components may be referred to asbattery internal components of the battery pack 24. The enclosureassembly 60 may include a tray 62 and a cover 64. The enclosure assembly60 may include any size, shape, and configuration within the scope ofthis disclosure. The cover 64 of the enclosure assembly 60 has beenremoved in FIG. 3 to better illustrate the battery internal components.

In an embodiment, the enclosure assembly 60 is a polymer-basedcomponent. For example, the tray 62 and the cover 64 could beconstructed (e.g., molded) of one or more polymer-based materials.Exemplary polymer-based materials can include, but are not limited to,high density polyethylene, expanded polypropylene, expanded polystyrene,expanded polyethylene, sheet moulding compounds (e.g., glass-fiberreinforced polyester), polypropylene, and polyamine In yet anotherembodiment, the enclosure assembly 60 includes metallic-basedcomponents. For example, portions of the tray 62 and the cover 64 couldbe constructed out of aluminum or steel in combination withpolymer-based materials.

In another embodiment, the enclosure assembly 60 is a sealed enclosure.For example, during assembly, the battery internal components may bepositioned on the tray 62, and the cover 64 may then be fixedly securedto the tray 62 to seal the battery internal components therein. In anembodiment, the cover 64 is thermally welded to the tray 62, thuscreating a permanent seal without using any separate gaskets ormechanical fasteners.

One or more of the battery internal components may require servicing(e.g., repair or replacement) during the life of the battery pack 24.Therefore, a service panel 66 (see FIG. 2 ) may be positioned within awall 68 of the enclosure assembly 60 to provide selective access to thebattery internal components. The wall 68 could be part of either thetray 62 or the cover 64 of the enclosure assembly 60. In an embodiment,the service panel 66 is molded into the wall 68 and thus is an integralportion of the enclosure assembly 60.

The service panel 66 may be removed (e.g., torn away) from the wall 68for accessing and servicing one or more of the battery internalcomponents without requiring the complete disassembly of the enclosureassembly 60. Once removed, the service panel 66 can be discarded andreplaced with a replacement service panel, as discussed in greaterdetail below.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a first exemplary service panel 66-1. Theservice panel 66-1 may include a ductile portion 70 that includes a tearstrip 72 and a center body 74 bounded by the tear strip 72. The tearstrip 72 may be established by a first groove 76 and a second groove 78(i.e., a double groove design) that are molded into the wall 68 of theenclosure assembly 60. The ductile portion 70 can be plasticallydeformed, such as by pulling the tear strip 72, to expose the batteryinternal components housed inside the enclosure assembly 60. The ductileportion 70 is therefore understood to be irreversibly removable from theenclosure assembly 60.

The first groove 76 and the second grooves 78 may be concentric groovesthat extend parallel to one another along an outer surface of the wall68. Although shown embodying a rectangular shape, the grooves 76, 78 andthe center body 74 could take the form of other shapes, such ascircular, square, or irregular shapes, for example. The grooves 76, 78may be spaced apart by a distance d (see FIG. 4B). In an embodiment, thedistance d is approximately 6 to 10 millimeters (0.24-0.39 inches),although other distances are also contemplated within the scope of thisdisclosure. The tear strip 72 is the piece of material that extendsacross the distance d between the first groove 76 and the second groove78 to connect the center body 74 to the wall 68 of the enclosureassembly 60.

The tear strip 72 may include a pull tab 80 that is connected to aportion of the tear strip 72. The pull tab 80 may be pulled to exceedthe strain capability of the ductile portion 70 of the service panel66-1 and thereby begin severing the tear strip 72 from the wall 68. Thetear strip 72 may be pulled between the two grooves 76, 78 to releasethe center body 74 from its attachment to the wall 68. The tear strip 72may be pulled completely around a perimeter of the center body 74 untilarriving back to its origin (i.e., the original location of the pull tab80). The center body 74 may then be removed to expose the batteryinternal components. In an embodiment, either the first groove 76 or thesecond groove 78 may be an incomplete loop, ending just short of thepull tab 80, such that the center body 74 remains connected to the tearstrip 72 and both the tear strip 72 and the center body 74 can beremoved from the wall 68 as one piece.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a second exemplary service panel 66-2. Theservice panel 66-2 may include a ductile portion 82 that is definedabout an outer periphery of a panel body 84. The ductile portion 82 mayinclude a groove 86 (i.e., a single groove design) that frangiblyconnects the panel body 84 to the wall 68. The groove 86 may beperforated in order to weaken the outer periphery such that the panelbody 84 can be selectively removed from the wall 68 of the enclosureassembly 60. In other words, the panel body 84 can be torn away from thewall 68 by plastically deforming the ductile portion 82 along the groove86.

The service panel 66-2 may include a pull tab 88 that is connected tothe panel body 84. The pull tab 88 may be pulled to exceed the straincapability of the ductile portion 82 of the service panel 66-2 andthereby begin severing the panel body 84 from the wall 68.

FIG. 6 illustrates the wall 68 of the enclosure assembly 60 afterremoving the service panel 66. Hereinafter, reference numeral 66 isintended to denote the service panel 66-1, the service panel 66-2, orany other tear-away service panel. Removal of the service panel 66exposes an access opening 90 in the wall 68. The access opening 90provides access to an interior of the enclosure assembly 60, withinwhich a serviceable battery internal component 99 may be housed.

A bracket 92 may circumscribe the access opening 90, and therefore, thebracket 92 may circumscribe the service panel 66 prior to its removal(see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 4A-5B). The bracket 92 may be inserted moldedinto the wall 68 to provide a surface for receiving a replacementservice panel for resealing the access opening 90 after servicing thebattery internal component 99.

The bracket 92 may be made from a different polymer-based material thanthe wall 68 of the enclosure assembly 60. In an embodiment, the bracket92 is made of a polyamide (e.g., nylon, PA-66, etc.). However, otherpolymer-based materials are also contemplated within the scope of thisdisclosure.

An outer surface 94 of the bracket 92 may include a groove 96. Thegroove 96 provides a receptacle for receiving an adhesive for securing areplacement service panel to the bracket 92, as discussed further below.In an embodiment, the groove 96 extends about an entirety of the bracket92 such that the groove 96 also circumscribes the access opening 90.

The bracket 92 may additionally include a plurality of retentionfeatures 98 configured for receiving corresponding retention features ofa replacement service panel. The retention features 98 may includeflanges, clips, or both. The retention features 98 may protrudelaterally outwardly from an outer perimeter of the outer surface 94 ofthe bracket 92.

FIGS. 7-8 , with continued reference to FIG. 6 , illustrate areplacement service panel 100 for resealing the enclosure assembly 60,such as after the servicing tasks have been performed on the batteryinternal component 99. The replacement service panel 100 may be securedto the bracket 92 to close-off the access opening 90. In an embodiment,the replacement service panel 100 is made from the same polymer-basedmaterial as the bracket 92.

The replacement service panel 100 may include retention features 102that are configured to engage the retention features 98 of the bracket92. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention features 102 of thereplacement service panel 100 include flexible clips 101 that clip ontothe retention features 98 (e.g., flanges) of the bracket 92. Of coursean opposite configuration is also contemplated in which the bracket 92includes the flexible clips and the replacement service panel 100includes the flanges.

In some cases, it may be desirable to service the battery pack 24 asecond time. Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 9 , the replacement servicepanel 100 may thus include a tear strip 104 that can be torn along agroove 106 to remove the replacement service panel 100 from theenclosure assembly 60. The groove 106 may be L-shaped or U-shaped, insome embodiments. The tear strip 104 may include a tongue 108 (see FIG.9 ) that can be pulled to exceed the strain capability of the groove 106for severing the replacement service panel 100 from the bracket 92.After performing any necessary servicing tasks, the replacement servicepanel 100 can be replaced with yet another replacement service panel.

FIG. 10 , with continued reference to FIGS. 1-9 , schematicallyillustrates a battery pack resealing kit 110 for resealing the batterypack 24 after removing the tear-away service panel 66. The battery packresealing kit 110 may include the replacement service panel 100, asurface preparation aide 112, and an adhesive 114.

The surface preparation aide 112 may be used to prepare the bracket 92for receiving the replacement service panel 100. In an embodiment, thesurface preparation aide 112 is an abrasive pad or cloth configured forscuffing surfaces of the bracket 92 in order to better prepare thesurfaces for bonding with the replacement service panel 100.

In another embodiment, the battery pack resealing kit 110 may optionallyinclude a cleaning agent 115 for cleaning the bracket 92 prior to and/orafter preparing the bracket 92 with the surface preparation aide 112.The cleaning agent 115 may be an alcohol wipe or any other suitablecleaning agent.

The adhesive 114 is configured to structurally hold the replacementservice panel 100 to the enclosure assembly 60 while providing awater-tight seal. The adhesive 114 may be a silicone based adhesive, anon-silicone based adhesive, or any other suitable adhesive.

FIG. 11 , with continued reference to FIGS. 1-10 , schematicallyillustrates a battery pack resealing method 116. The method 116 may beperformed using the battery pack resealing kit 110 by a servicetechnician (i.e., a mechanic) in conjunction with a service procedure inwhich the tear-away service panel 66 has been removed from the batterypack 24.

The method 116 may include the following steps. First, as shown at block118, a surface of the bracket 92, such as the outer surface 94, isprepared using the surface preparation aide 112. For example, thesurface preparation aide 112 may be used to scuff the outer surface 94of the bracket 92 in order to better prepare the bracket 92 for bondingwith the adhesive 114. The bracket 92 may optionally be cleaned usingthe cleaning agent 115, such as an alcohol wipe, prior to and/or afterpreparing the bracket 92 with the surface preparation aide.

Next, as shown at block 120, a bead of adhesive 114 may be appliedwithin the groove of 96 of the bracket 92. Finally, at block 122, thereplacement service panel 100 may be affixed to the bracket 92 to sealthe access opening 90. The retention features 102 of the replacementservice panel 100 may engage the retention features 98 of the bracket 92to hold the replacement service panel 100 in place while the adhesive114 cures.

The exemplary battery packs of this disclosure incorporate tear-awayservice panels for accessing serviceable battery internal componentsthat are housed inside the battery packs. The tear away service panelsenable the use of polymer based battery pack enclosures. Thepolymer-based enclosures may be provided a solid piece sealed structurethat does not require any separate gaskets, sealants, or fasteners. Theproposed designs of this disclosure thereby reducing weight, costs, andassembly times associated with existing battery pack designs.

This disclosure is not necessarily limited to electric vehicle batterypack enclosure assemblies. Other electric vehicle components may benefitfrom the service panels described above, including but not limited to,motor inverter/converter systems. In addition, the teachings of thisdisclosure may be applicable to non-automotive components including anycomponent in which it is desirable to provide access to a serviceablepart housed inside the component.

Although the different non-limiting embodiments are illustrated ashaving specific components or steps, the embodiments of this disclosureare not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to usesome of the components or features from any of the non-limitingembodiments in combination with features or components from any of theother non-limiting embodiments.

It should be understood that like reference numerals identifycorresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings. Itshould be understood that although a particular component arrangement isdisclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, otherarrangements could also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.

The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand that certain modifications could come within the scope ofthis disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should bestudied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery pack resealing kit, comprising: areplacement service panel for covering an access opening formed in anenclosure assembly of a battery pack; a surface preparation aid forpreparing a surface of the enclosure assembly for receiving thereplacement service panel; and an adhesive for affixing the replacementservice panel to the surface.
 2. The battery pack resealing kit asrecited in claim 1, wherein the replacement service panel includes agroove that establishes a receptacle for receiving the adhesive.
 3. Thebattery pack resealing kit as recited in claim 1, wherein thereplacement service panel includes a first retention feature configuredto engage a second retention feature of a bracket of the enclosureassembly.
 4. The battery pack resealing kit as recited in claim 1,wherein the surface preparation aid is an abrasive cloth or pad.
 5. Thebattery pack resealing kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the adhesiveis a silicone based adhesive.
 6. The battery pack resealing kit asrecited in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is a non-silicone basedadhesive.
 7. The battery pack resealing kit as recited in claim 1,comprising a cleaning agent for cleaning the surface prior to preparingthe surface with the surface preparation aide.
 8. The battery packresealing kit as recited in claim 7, wherein the cleaning agent includesan alcohol wipe.
 9. The battery pack resealing kit as recited in claim1, wherein the enclosure assembly of the battery pack includes a bracketthat circumscribes the access opening.
 10. The battery pack resealingkit as recited in claim 9, wherein the bracket is non-frangiblyconnected to the enclosure assembly.
 11. The battery pack resealing kitas recited in claim 10, wherein the surface preparation aid isconfigured for preparing the bracket for receiving the replacementservice panel.
 12. The battery pack resealing kit as recited in claim 1,wherein the access opening is revealed after removal of a tear-awayservice panel from the enclosure assembly.
 13. The battery packresealing kit as recited in claim 12, wherein the tear-away servicepanel is circumscribed by a bracket prior to removing the tear-awayservice panel from the enclosure assembly to expose the access opening.14. The battery pack resealing kit as recited in claim 13, wherein thebracket is configured to receive the replacement service panel afterremoving the tear-away service panel.
 15. The battery pack resealing kitas recited in claim 14, wherein the tear-away service panel isconstructed of a first polymer-based material and the bracket isconstructed of a second polymer-based material that is different fromthe first polymer-based material.
 16. The battery pack resealing kit asrecited in claim 15, wherein the second polymer-based material includesa greater rigidity than the first polymer-based material.
 17. Thebattery pack resealing kit as recited in claim 1, wherein thereplacement service panel includes a tear strip configured to tear alonga groove to remove the replacement service panel from the enclosureassembly.
 18. A battery pack resealing kit, comprising: a replacementservice panel for covering an access opening formed in an enclosureassembly of a battery pack, wherein the enclosure assembly includes abracket that is non-frangibly connected to the enclosure assembly andarranged to circumscribe the access opening; a surface preparation aidfor preparing a surface of the bracket for receiving the replacementservice panel; and a curable adhesive for affixing the replacementservice panel to the surface of the bracket, wherein the bracketincludes a groove that establishes a receptacle for receiving thecurable adhesive.